In a message to the Class of 2013, Buffalo State President Aaron Podolefsky told graduating students, “Commencement is a truly joyous celebration that commemorates the years of study and effort you’ve devoted to earning your degree and marks the beginning of the next exciting chapter in your life. This is your moment. Enjoy this time with your family and friends who have supported you throughout your educational endeavors at Buffalo State.”

The following graduates of the Class of 2013 will be honored with the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence in recognition of their academic and extracurricular achievements, leadership, and service: Kira L. Bruce, Sara E. Cripps, Paige Ottaviano, Amanda R. Pratt (undergraduate students) and Ismet Mamnoon (graduate student).

Jessica J. Stabell will address the audiences at the morning and afternoon ceremonies as the recipient of the President’s Medal for Outstanding Undergraduate Student. Mamnoon will deliver an address at the evening ceremony as the recipient of the President’s Medal for Outstanding Graduate Student.

State University of New York honorary degrees will be presented to Carl Wilkens, activist, humanitarian, and founder of World Outside My Shoes, and Donna M. Fernandes, president and CEO of the Buffalo Zoo. Wilkens will deliver the commencement address at the morning and afternoon ceremonies, while Fernandes will deliver the address at the evening ceremony.

In addition, Distinguished Alumnus Awards will be granted to William “Bill” T. Cleary, ’69, ’73, owner of Cleary & Partners, and Brenda W. McDuffie, ’74, president and CEO of Buffalo Urban League Inc. Ara H. Bagdasarian, ‘95, CEO and cofounder of Omnilert LLC, will receive the Young Alumnus Achievement Award.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates and join them in this special day by marching in the academic procession or by serving as a volunteer. Marchers and volunteer ushers are still needed for the 10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. ceremonies. Online registration is open until May 10.